Christmas has officially arrived in Bury St Edmunds as crowds gathered to mark the town's festive light switch on.

Crowds flocked to Bury St Edmunds town centre on Thursday, November 14, for the free event on the Cornhill and Buttermarket. 

Organised by Our Bury St Edmunds BID, it was the first chance to see this year's illuminations as dusk fell on the town centre.

Crowds in Bury St Edmunds at the eventCrowds in Bury St Edmunds at the event (Image: Our Bury St Edmunds BID) Rides on offer at the eventRides on offer at the event (Image: Our Bury St Edmunds BID) The stage in the townThe stage in the town (Image: Our Bury St Edmunds BID) Mark Cordell, CEO of Our Bury St Edmunds BID, said: “Our Christmas Lights Event last night was, if I say so myself, a huge success within our town centre, including the arc, being so busy and full of happy smiling faces.

"With locals schools, community groups and the Theatre Royal pantomime performing on stage, charity stalls and entertainment in and around the town centre it was a great way to kick off the very important pre trading Christmas period." 

Characters for children to meet at the eventCharacters for children to meet at the event (Image: Our Bury St Edmunds BID) Characters for children to meet at the eventCharacters for children to meet at the event (Image: Our Bury St Edmunds BID) Characters for children to meet at the eventCharacters for children to meet at the event (Image: Our Bury St Edmunds BID) The event ran from 3pm until 8pm and included a range of family attractions and rides, a big wheel and a helter-skelter. 

There were market stalls in the streets selling crafts and gifts supporting local charities including Boomerang's Pet Foodbank and Upbeat Heart Support. 

Some of the decorationsSome of the decorations (Image: Our Bury St Edmunds BID) The market at the eventThe market at the event (Image: Our Bury St Edmunds BID) There was also entertainment from a magician, the St Mary's Church choir and the cast of this year's Aladdin pantomime at the Theatre Royal.

Children were also be able to meet The Snow Queen, Ice Princess and their Snowman friend amongst the crowd.